It's important that you keep in mind the different types of planers that are now available, including power hand held planers and benchtop planers.

Not only did we create a list of the best planers or the best cabinet table saw that are on the market today, but we also provided you with some helpful tips on what to look for in a planer and how you can find one that meets all your needs.

Types of Planers

Before looking over our list of the top 25 planers now available, make sure you know which type you need. We divided the list into five key categories that are suitable for a wide range of jobs in the field and in your workshop.Power Hand Held Planers – Power hand held planers combine everything you love hand planing with the benefits of a power tool. The top designs have a comfortable hand hold at the top that lets you keep a grip as you move the planer across your wood, and that handle also lets you transport the tool with ease. These are a little more affordable than other models and give you more control over your work too. You can use the buttons and dials on the tool to adjust its speed and make other changes to its settings.Thickness Planers
While most home workshops won’t feature a thickness planer, these are a common site in professional workshops. Each planer features three distinct things: a table, roller and cutter. The table adjusts to help you cut through thicker and thinner pieces of wood and to control how much the machine planes off the surface. The roller portion often features multiple rollers that let the wood slowly move to the cutting area, which will plane down the wood.Portable Planers
For more serious jobs, you should invest in a portable planer. Though these models weigh more than power hand held planers do, you can easily carry one from your truck to the job site and back again. Some even come with a removable table that you can put up and take down in minutes. A portable planer will also function as a joint planer to cut down on the clutter and tools around your work space. As an added bonus, these planers work like benchtop models but cost a fraction of the price and are more lightweight than those models too.Benchtop Planers
Some people refer to benchtop planers and portable planers in the same way, but benchtop planers actually take up more space and weigh more as well. While you might think that you don’t need such a heavy tool, these planers do more than any other models do. Most come with a sturdy and durable table that can support the weight of the planer and any wood you place on top. A handful of newer models feature a removable planer that you can take off and use on other benches and tables.Jointer Planers
A jointer planer is actually a combination of two separate tools. While it functions well as a planer, it also works as a jointer. As it does two different duties, it can help you save on space around your workshop and save a little money at the same time. These tools help you create a flat, smooth and even surface across almost any piece of wood.

How to Choose the Perfect Planer

After looking at all the planers and power woodworking tools out there, you might feel more confused than ever about which tools you really need. While the right tools may depend on your budget, you should also give some thought to what you want to do in your workshop and the types of projects you do. If you want to create smooth edges and even surfaces, opt for a jointer planer. This combination tool performs two different functions and costs less than buying two different tools would. You can use a jointer planer for crafting wood furniture and other projects. Some experts even recommend that hobbyists invest in a jointer planer first and spend money on larger tools later. Buying one of these combos can help you save some money in your budget.

1

Table Size

You also need to consider both the size of the table that comes with the planer and the size of the cutting area. Many of the affordable models that you’ll spy in home improvement stores or online can support boards of up to 15 inches thick or wide. While that is large enough for more basic projects, you may need to go up to a planer that can work with boards that are more than 20 inches long.

2

Cutting Area

The cutting area itself is equally important. These blades come in different shapes and styles. Most prefer planers that come with a helical head, which can move across the boards faster than other heads can. Others prefer planers that have a more spiral design. This can provide your finished boards with a smoother surface than you ever imagined.

3

Noise and Sounds

Before spending a lot of money on a new power tool, you should really try to see that tool in action. Professional woodworking shops are often quite noisy because of the sounds produced by each machine. While noise may not bother you, those noises can bother your neighbors. A hand held power planer will generally produce more noise than a benchtop model does. The downside to a power planer is that it may not have the strength you need to plane down larger or heavier woods. Power planers may not work effectively with certain types of wood either.

4

Motor

Other factors you must consider include the motor in that planer and its overall size. Many cheaper models come with a universal motor, and while these motors are lightweight and effective, those motors do not do well when used with harder types of wood. Depending on what you do in your workshop, you might opt for an induction motor. Though these motors weigh more, an induction motor will work with any type of wood you use or encounter.

5

Size

As you shop for planers, don’t forget to factor in the size of each model. If you have limited space available, a combo joint planer or a power hand held planer is a good option. Benchtop and other larger models will take up more space but can handle more jobs and will last longer too. Looking at all these planers as you shop can help you find the right one for all your jobs.

Categories of 25 Top Planers

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a planer, you can take a look at the top 25 on the market. We divided our list into different categories to help you select a great planer based on the type you want.

5 Best Power Hand Held Planers

Power hand held planers are lightweight and portable, making these tools a must-have for anyone who travels for work or does work on different job sites. We created our list of the best power hand held planers based on price, motor speed and other factors.

1. DEWALT DW680K 7 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer

DEWALT offers a long-lasting and dependable warranty on every power tool it sells, which is just one reason why so many woodworkers love this hand held planer. Featuring the iconic DEWALT colors of yellow and black on the exterior, this planer has a 15,000 RPM 7-amp motor that you can turn on and off via the squeeze button the handle. It can work with two different types of knife blades and had a knob on the front for adjusting its height that the manufacturer covered in a special type of rubber to reduce the risk of electrical shocks. The unique design of its cutting surface lets you plane down more in fewer strokes too.

2. Makita 1002BA 4-3/8 Inch Curved Base Planer

With a 15,000 RPM 9.6-amp motor, this Makita base planner has a motor that is more powerful than those found on similar planers. The only thing keeping it from moving up on our list is its awkward design. You may find that the handle isn’t quite as comfortable as those on other models and that you cannot make adjustments as easily either. We do love that it can make notches and plane wood in a fraction of the time as others and that it features a lock-on button. This button lets you keep the motor running continuously while working on larger projects without keeping your hand on the trigger.

3. Makita KP0800K 3-1/4-Inch Planer Kit

These Makita power hand held planer features a sleek design and a powerful 6.5-amp motor. It can plane boards measuring more than three-inches across and more than three-inches wide in just seconds and reduces the risk that you might need to go over those boards a second or even third time. It also has a cutting head that features two separate blades. That cutting head produces 17,000 RMP to give you the smooth and even surface that you want. This is one of the few models that you can use right out of the box without a lot of prep time.

4. Bosch PL2632K Planer with Carrying Case

This Bosch planer gets top marks from reviewers, and it’s easy to see why so many people like it. This affordable planer has a 16,500 6.5-amp motor that is suitable for use with both hard woods and softer types of wood. Its lock-on feature lets you keep the motor running without using the power button, and its comes with an ambidextrous button that lets you use turn the motor off with either hand. Though it comes with two heavy-duty metal blades, you can spring for an upgrade and use this planer with larger and thicker steel blades.

5. Hitachi P20ST 5.5-Amp 3-1/4-Inch Portable Hand Held Planer

This model from Hitachi is a great combo tool for woodworkers who want to take their tools with them. The corded model comes with a 5.5-amp motor and works with any outlet. Unlike other similar designs that require you replace the blades, this one has removable blades that you can take out and sharpen yourself. A built-in kickstand ensures that this planer remains stable when you’re not using it and keeps any areas nearby safe from the blades. It also comes with a dust collection feature that lets you use the included bag to pick up dust and particles or connect the planer to your vacuum for convenient dust collection.

Top Choice!

We picked the DEWALT DW680K 7 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer as the top power hand held planer for a few reasons. Like other DEWALT tools, it comes with a dependable warranty lets you seek out replacement parts or repairs from the manufacturer. Its 7-amp motor is one of the largest we found on smaller planers, and it comes with steel blades that you can remove for sharpening. Other great features that made this model stand out from the pack include a calibrated depth adjustment knob, a maximum cut depth of 2.5-millimeters that it suitable for all wood types and an easy to use height adjustment knob.

5 Best Thickness Planers

A thickness planer lets you create boards that are equal in width, which is helpful when working on home improvement and renovation jobs. We looked at price and features to find the five best thickness planers for all types of woodworkers and all budgets.

1. Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer

Using a wood thickness planer like this one from Delta Power Tools reduces the risk that you might make mistakes when planing boards for various projects. Its 15-amp motor can handle both bigger and smaller jobs, its unique knives system lets you quickly swap out the blades for planing hard or soft woods. Both the infeed and outfeed tables on the front and back are adjustable, and as it has an open design, you can clearly see through to the back and keep an eye on each piece of wood you push through. We also like the dust port that you can use on either side of the machine.

2. DEWALT DW735 13-Inch, Two Speed Thickness Planer

This thickness planer from DEWALT just narrowly missed out on the top spot. It has a 20,000 RPM 15-amp engine and cutter heads that can produce up to 10,000 RPM on their own. With a simple flip of a switch, you can change the gear box to increase or reduce its cutting speed. You might want to increase that speed to more than 100 cuts per minute when working with harder woods and decrease the speed for use with softer woods. You’ll also love the vacuum ejection feature, which is standard on many DEWALT planers, that prevents accidents and injuries caused by wood dust and chips caught in the cutting area.

If you think that granite is just for kitchen counters, this thickness planer from WEN will change your mind. The granite table found on this model helps your boards move smoothly through the machine without marking or scarring the bottom of those boards, and the granite reduces the risk that a board might lodge in the center. With a 12-amp motor that can produce more than 18,000 cuts in a single minute, this planer can accommodate up to 26 feet of wood boards in 60 seconds. You’ll also love the dust port that pulls dust off the machine and the adjustable depth feature.

4. Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

Those looking for a thickness planer that is more lightweight and compact will appreciate this Makita model. Though it still does everything you want a planer to do, it comes in a smaller package that helps you save space around your shop. It’s lightweight enough that you can use it at work and then carry it back to your car for home use. Though it comes with a larger table, it also comes with extensions that let you increase the size of the table for use with longer boards. Makita created this model to produce less noise than its competitors and added an LED light to let you know when the power is on.

Though not a traditional thickness sander, this WEN model made our list because of its affordable price and powerful motor. That 4.3-amp motor produces more than 3,500 RPM and turns your home shop into a professional shop. Its cast iron base is sturdy enough to support both the weight of the machine and the weight of any materials you put on top, and the base does a good job of absorbing the vibrations that might cause your hands to slip off. It also features a tilting belt that lets you adjust the angle up to 90-degrees and both a sanding disc and a belt sander for easy planing.

Top Choice!

The Delta Power Tools 22-555 13 In Portable Thickness Planer is the only thickness planer we found that has an adjustable dust port. Keeping the dust off the floor and out of your eyes is the key to keeping your workshop clean and keeping you safe. You can adjust this planer to have the dust port on either the right or left side as you work. It also comes with a solid design that uses a support column in each corner to keep the planer stable and a quick-change system for easily and quickly swapping out and replacing blades.

5 Best Portable Planers

When you spend a lot of time meeting with clients in the field, you need planers and other tools that you can take with you. Our list of the best portable planers include some that are more affordable and others that professionals would use.

1. DEWALT DW680K 7 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer

While there are a number of different portable planers out there, the best one is this DEWALT model. It features a rubber-coated adjustment knob on the front that lets you quickly adjust the height of the tool, and that rubber-coated cover is easy to grab when your hands are slick or wet too. Designed for use with steel blades, this planer can also accommodate carbide blades too. Suitable for use with framing jobs and planing, it has a 7-amp motor that you can use with both soft and harder woods. It also has a sharp cutting edge that reduces the amount of times you must go over the same piece of wood.

2. Makita KP0810 7.5 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer

For easy and convenient planing, you can’t go wrong with this Makita model, which plugs into any outlet. Its 16,000 RPM 7.5-amp motor provides the extra power that you need while working and can plane boards measuring more than three-inches. Its chip ejection system pulls debris from the motor and cutting surface to reduce the risk of overheating, and you can select which side you want the debris to pour out as you work. This is one of the only portable planers that has an ergonomic design that increases your comfort and reduces any discomfort in your hands as you work long hours.

3. PORTER-CABLE PC60THP 6-Amp Hand Planer

Portable planers like this one from PORTER-CABLE are lightweight enough that you won’t have any problems working on projects all around your house. You can even use it when sanding or planing down rough areas on your stairs. Its 6-amp motor can handle most jobs, and the depth knob on the front lets you select from 10 different impressive depth settings. The manufacturer also added an aluminum shoe that gives you more control and stability and three grooves for creating the perfect edges that you want. You can also easily adjust the extraction feature to remove dust and particles trapped in the motor.

4. Grizzly G0505 12-1/2-Inch Planer

Bosch wanted to make this planer even more portable, which is why it included a carrying case. That case is perfect for keeping dust out of the motor when you store the planer between uses, but the case also helps you transport the planer to different sites without worrying that it might suffer damage. With a 6.5-amp engine and more than 16,000 RPM, this planer can work with both the hardest and most fragile of woods. In addition to using the planer as-is, you can also spring for steel blade upgrade that will help you plane harder woods even faster.

5. Bosch PL2632K Planer with Carrying Case

Bosch wanted to make this planer even more portable, which is why it included a carrying case. That case is perfect for keeping dust out of the motor when you store the planer between uses, but the case also helps you transport the planer to different sites without worrying that it might suffer damage. With a 6.5-amp engine and more than 16,000 RPM, this planer can work with both the hardest and most fragile of woods. In addition to using the planer as-is, you can also spring for steel blade upgrade that will help you plane harder woods even faster.

Top Choice!

We picked the DEWALT DW680K 7 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer as our number one choice among all the portable planers. While portable planers are lightweight by design, this one is so lightweight that you won’t have any problem carrying it around your workshop or job site. It features a sharp blade for more precise planing and can reduce the number of times you need to pass or go over that surface. Other features that made this DEWALT model stand out from the pack include a depth adjustment knob, convenient power switch on the handle, comfortable handle and fast switching between blades.

5 Best Benchtop Planers

Benchtop planers are best for those who have a dedicated place to work. These planers are suitable for use with larger and heavier pieces of wood, which is why you’ll find the top models in professional woodworking shops. Our list includes the best of the best.

1. JET 708524 JPM-13CS 13-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Planer/Molder

Our number one choice for the best benchtop planer is this one from JET. Featuring a table made from cast iron, this planer significantly cuts down on the vibrations you feel and reduces some of the loud noises that you hear too. You can adjust both the infeed and outfeed based on the dimensions of your wood to cut down on workplace accidents and plane with ease. The newly designed cutting area features three sharp and powerful steel blades that plane through all types of wood with ease. It also comes with rollers coated with a rubber material that ensures your wood moves smoothly from the infeed to the outfeed.

2. Rikon 25-010 Planer/Jointer

The only reason this Rikon planer didn’t make it to the top of our list is because it lacks a few of the features found on the JET model. The features that it does come with will make you want to invest in one today. It has a sturdy base that supports the planer itself and jointer tables also made from aluminum for working on different jobs. The 1.5-horsepower induction motor is one of the best that you’ll find at this price point. It also comes with a drive belt that reduces vibrations and a maximum depth cut of 1/8 of an inch.

3. POWERTEC PL1251 12-1/2-Inch 15-Amp Planer

If you’re in the market for a benchtop planer that will perform just as well in the field as it does in your shop, look no further than this POWERTEC model. Though it’s strong enough for planing wood boards or changing the thickness of those boards, it also features carrying handles mounted right to the sides that let you pick it up and move it without needed help from your coworkers. A spindle lock lets you lock the machine as you replace the blades, and a return roller makes it easier for you to plane longer pieces of wood.

4. DEWALT DW734 15 Amp 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer

DEWALT products and power tools come with a dependable warranty, which is one of the reasons we added this model to our list. Designed specifically for use with harder woods, this planer has a powerful 20,000 RPM 15-amp motor that will turn even the most complicated of jobs into an easy task. You’ll also like that it comes with three knives in its cutting area, which lets you get more than 90 cuts in every square inch of wood you send through. Though you can use this in your home shop, it’s also lightweight enough for taking to multiple job sites.

5. Shop Fox W1754S 20-Inch Planer with Spiral Cutterhead

Though this Shop Fox benchtop is fairly expensive, it’s worth the investment. This planer comes with a built-in mobile base that is just as strong as the bases found on other models but allows you to transport the planer to different areas of your shop or site. Weighing in at over 900 pounds, you’ll appreciate just how easily you can move it. The planer also comes with table locks that keep it from rolling as you work and extension wings that let you increase the size of its table. It also comes with a safety switch that lets you shut it down quickly to prevent accidents.

Top Choice!

We picked the JET 708524 JPM-13CS 13-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Planer/Molder as the best benchtop planner because it is suitable for use in both professional shops and in amateur studios. Though it’s a little more expensive than other planers, it delivers better quality results and will last for years. It comes with a cabinet/table made from cast iron and hand crank that lets you dictate how quickly your boards move through the center. We also love the larger base and the adjustable infeed and outfeed. JET includes a five-year warranty on this model too that lets you contact the manufacturer for repairs or replacement parts in the future.

5 Best Jointer Planers

Our list of the best jointer planers include those from some of the top companies around like DEWALT and Jet. We especially like the Jet 708457DXK, which comes with its own cast iron table and quick-set cutting system. Other favorites include the DEWALT DW735X, Bosch RA1181, DEWALT DW734 and Porter Cable 6 Inch Variable Speed Jointer.

The leading choice for amateurs and professionals alike is this jointer planer from Jet. The included cast iron table is durable enough for most jobs and will retain its look and strength for years to come. It also comes with a one-horsepower motor that can handle even the toughest of jobs and three steel knives in the cutting area to smooth down even longer and harder wood boards in a fraction of the time that it would take similar machines. You’ll also appreciate the dust port on the very bottom of the machine. Measuring an impressive four-inches, this port does a great job of pulling in the sawdust that your produce as you cut and plane.

2. DEWALT DW735X 13" Two-Speed Planer Package

Though not quite as impressive as the Jet model, this DEWALT model is great for hobbyists and professionals. One of the features that we liked the best is its powerful motor that produces 20,000 RPM when using it as a planer and 10,000 RPM when using it as a cutter. The gear box comes with two speed settings that you can change in seconds to get your work done even faster, and it has an ejection vacuum located on the very top. That vacuum sucks up any sawdust or debris trapped in the cutting area and pushes it away from the planer.

3. Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Bench Top Jointer/Planer

Jet made our list of the best jointer planers a second top with this model, which shows that good things come in small packages. Though it is a fraction of the size of some of its competitors, it provides all the jointer and planner power that you need. Its 13-amp motor is more powerful than those found on smaller models and can produce up to 18,000 RMP to help you with all your projects. A feed table made from sheet metal slides out from the sides to give you a larger work space, and it comes with two high-speed knives that provide concise and exact cuts each and every time.

4. DEWALT DW734 15 Amp 12-1/2-Inch Benchtop Planer

This benchtop planer also makes our list. Though it isn’t quite as dependable or strong as some of the other models, it does work as both a jointer and a planer and comes with a long-lasting DEWALK guarantee. Its 20,000 RMP 15-amp engine is exactly what you need to get the job done. It has a cutting head that uses three separate knives and can make more than 90 cuts per every square inch. DEWALT also added a carriage lock that keeps these planer from moving as you push wood through, which helps cut down on accidents and provides you with more stability.

5. Porter Cable 6 Inch Variable Speed Bench Jointer

Also on our list is this affordable model from Porter Cable. Though you may not know the name, you’ll love how much work you can get done with this jointer planer. It features a variable speed range that lets you determine how quickly you want to work. You can start out at 6,000 RPM and slowly increase the speed up to 11,000 RPM. Though it only has two knives in its cutting area, you can easily remove those knives when you need to replace them or adjust the knives for various projects. It also comes with a fence mounted directly in the center of the machine to give you better control over your boards.

Top Choice!

After looking at hundreds of different joint planers, we picked the JET 708457DXK JJ-6CSDX 6-Inch 1 HP Jointer with Quick-Set Knives System as our top choice. Not only does it function as both a planer and a jointer, but it comes loaded with features that you’ll love. It comes with a cast iron table and a cutting surface that is several inches longer than its competitors and a longer fence. That fence has stops at both 45-degree and 90-degree angles to help you stay safe. This Jet model also features a one-horsepower motor and a four-inch dust port for helping you clean up around your work space.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

More Planers Articles

25 Best Planers Reviewed: Which One Came Out The Winner?

Our top choice for Portable & Power Hand Held:

Our top choice for Thickness Planers:

Our top choice for Benchtop Planers:

Our top choice for Jointer Planers:

BestCabinetTableSaw.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.